The Power of Conlangs
Besides the Spanish I learned in school, the first language I ever put my mind to learning was the elvish language Quenya, from The Lord of the Rings. After that I added some of the secret, private dwarven language to my linguistic pocket, Khuzdul, which was phonetically influenced by Hebrew and morphologically influenced by other Semitic languages. Even now, over twenty years later, many of those words remain in my head. It struck me as so amazing that Tolkien was so in love with his universe that he was willing to invent languages for the people who walked in Middle-Earth, and it added such depth and realism to the narratives he crafted. Since then George R. R. Martin dreamed up the Dothraki and Valeyrian tongues for the world of Westeros, which he specifically designed to express the character of the people who spoke it… and to make it easy for actors to speak on screen.
Quenya, Sindarin, Khuzdul, Black Speech, Dothraki, Valeyrian- these are all examples of fantasy constructed languages.
Frequently shortened to “conlangs”, these unique tongues are invented languages specifically created to enhance the worlds of fantasy stories. Unlike natural languages, which evolve organically over centuries, conlangs are intentionally designed by authors, linguists, or even fans to fit the fictional world they belong to. These languages often have their own grammar, vocabulary, and sounds, tailored to the cultural or racial identity of the characters that speak them.
In many of the stories that have become part of the modern fantasy zeitgeist, language becomes more than just a means of communication; it embodies a unique culture, a rich history, and a specific way of seeing the world. For instance, Tolkien, a philologist, designed languages as an integral part of the history and lore of Middle-earth. The Elvish languages not only help identify the elves but also convey their grace, wisdom, and long, storied past. Similarly, in Game of Thrones, the harsh, guttural Dothraki language reflects the warrior-like, nomadic culture of its people. These languages allow readers to immerse themselves fully in a world, where language subtly reinforces the nature and identity of those who speak it.
Creating a conlang can add a layer of depth that enriches the story and brings authenticity to your fantasy setting and those who dwell within it. When characters speak in a distinct language, it creates a sense of separation from our world, emphasizing the alien or ancient qualities of the story’s cultures. Even using only a few words or phrases can make your world feel alive, as even a single word spoken in a foreign tongue can convey emotion, allegiance, or even fear, making scenes feel more visceral and the characters more real.
For writers, keep in mind that building an entire language isn’t essential unless it serves the story you want to tell, and it’s important not to let conlangs overshadow the narrative. A few memorable phrases, some naming conventions, or a unique syntax can be enough to give your world its own linguistic identity without overwhelming the reader. Well-crafted conlangs strike a balance; they provide just enough language to feel authentic without confusing those who pick up your book. A little language creativity goes a long way in breathing life into characters, giving them a voice that feels both familiar and otherworldly, which can be a powerful tool in helping readers connect deeply with your fantasy world.
Whether you choose to create a full-fledged language or sprinkle in a few evocative phrases here and there within your narrative, consider incorporating a conlang into your story. There’s deep power in words, and you don’t have to be a full-blown linguist to come up with the foundations of your own tongue.
